Lewisham council to replace plaque commemorating the lives lost in wartime bombing

A PLAQUE commemorating the lives of those who died in an horrific wartime bombing is to be replaced after years of being trampled upon by shoppers.

Lewisham Council has made an agreement with the Marks and Spencer store in Lewisham High Street to replace and move the brass
plaque from the pavement to a wall alongside the shop.

Last year, News Shopper highlighted how the memorial - which commemorates those who died in the 1944 VI bomb attack on Lewisham’s Market Place - was being worn away because of its location.

The news is a victory for community group leader Jennie Randall, who had pressed the council for a replacement and contacted her local MP Bob Neill to demand action.

She said: “This new plaque will provide a focal point in remembrance of all those who lost their lives in this terrible event.

“I’m very grateful for the support I’ve had in my campaign to get the existing plaque replaced from my MP, News Shopper and Marks and Spencer.”

Writing to Mr Neill, the council’s business and civic manager Derek Johnson said: “It is envisaged to stage the unveiling ceremony on July 28 this year which will mark the actual day 67 years ago
when the tragedy of the V1 falling on Lewisham market took place.”